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OpenStax

Our first meeting of the Spring 2015 semester included a presentation by OpenStax. OpenStax is an innovative and (free!) way for students and faculty to utilize and acquire textbooks that align with most courses at the higher education level. With students spending so much on textbooks semester to semester (amongst other living expenses), this is a welcomed change to the textbook market and a way to save students a few bucks in the process. There are a few different ways to acquire the textbook including the Apple iBookstore, a PDF copy and more.

How is this possible you might ask? The initiative is lead by Rice University and continues to be made possible through philanthropic donations. The plan is not to change to a pay model at this time, so this looks like a really intriguing option and a good marketing tool as well. Click here for more information.

The requirements for creating a book have to meet a certain formula, e.g. taking into account the number of courses offered and number of students taking them. So some areas, such as Communications, are not included. But the selection is quite impressive ranging from Physics to Economics to Psychology and more.

Check out the selection by clicking here and let us know which books you find to be the most useful.

If you have interest in OpenStax, please take a look at their website, leave us some comments or contact someone in your IT area to discuss this further. You can also check out the latest news here.

In the meantime please check out this YouTube video with some further information: Open Stax